Are DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent Products Safe For Kids?

26 May Are DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent Products Safe For Kids?

We all hate the itchy bug bites. These red raised bumps are kind of annoying but basically harmless.

Keeping mosquitoes away during your BBQ or camping trip is undoubtedly a matter of comfort many of us enjoy. But for those living in parts of the country, where mosquito or tick-borne illnesses run rampant, bug-repellent sprays and liquids are essential to protect you and your kids against Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and other serious health conditions. These products can even mean the difference between life and death.

Often, mosquitoes, biting bugs, and tick bites can make most children miserable. While most children only have mild reactions to insect bites, some can fall ill. That is why it is important to protect your child from biting insects with insect repellents.

While insect repellents keep bugs at bay, as parents, you need to be extra careful in choosing repellents that are both effective and safe for your kids. With so many options available, you don’t have to expose your little ones to harmful chemicals like diethyltoluamide (DEET).

Wondering if DEET or essential oils as mosquito repellents are safe for your kid’s health? Learn more on how to protect children from all those pesky critters.

Wait, DEET: What is it?

DEET is a powerful chemical commonly found in insect repellents. It is invented by the US Department of Agriculture in 1946 for use by military personnel in insect-infected areas. Today, DEET continues to be an effective solution in repelling mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, and chiggers. This colourless liquid can be washed off and can be applied directly to the skin.

In the 1980s, DEET was blamed for several cases in Encephalopathy in girls ages one to 8, some of whom died. However, many studies have proven that this chemical is only toxic to birds, fishes, and aquatic invertebrates but completely safe for humans and mammals.

Current data show insect repellents with 10-30% of DEET is proven safe to use for kids older than two months. But there are certain measures to be followed such as:

• Use lower concentrations if kids will be outside only for an hour or two.
• DEET should not be applied more than once a day.
• Avoid applying on the child’s face, hands and near the mouth.
• Do not mix products with DEET and sunscreen.
• Repellents with high concentration are not proven to be effective and can be toxic.
• DEET is a plasticizer (i.e. it damages items such as expensive sunglasses).
• These strict precautions raise several questions, especially to parents, whether to use products containing DEET. As wit­h most chemical compounds, DEET doesn’t come without any side effects.

Some evidence shows that extensive, long-term exposure to DEET is associated with higher rates of insomnia, mood disorders, and impaired cognitive function. Because of its bad rap, more and more people seek better alternatives to DEET.

Go Natural

With 5,000 cases of human illness caused by the mosquito-borne illnesses (i.e. Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus) in Australia every year, the need for safe and effective mozzie repellent increases now more than ever.
The lingering question is: “Are DEET free mosquito repellent products safe for kids?” The answer is yes. Natural mozzie repellents like lemon eucalyptus oil are not only safe but are great for your kids.

Yes, It’s Safe for Your Kids and …

Of course, there are plenty of non-chemical ways to avoid mosquitoes and other pests. With eco mosquito control repellents, you have the peace of mind knowing that your kids are safe from harsh and harmful chemicals.

Organic products and essential oil as mosquito repellents are great because they’re:

Kind on Sensitive Skin

Synthetic chemicals, like petroleum and picaridin, can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Eco mosquito control repellents are free of such chemicals, making them a better choice for people, especially children with sensitive skin.

Harmless to pets

DEET free mosquito repellents are excellent alternatives for pet lovers. You don’t have to worry if your furry ones are exposed since DEET-free bug sprays don’t pose negative side effects on them. That is why it’s great to have a bug-spray that will also protect your pets.

Environment-friendly

The good thing about a DEET free mosquito repellent is it is made from natural ingredients. This means that less harmful chemicals are used in the process of making the product. There are no corrosive and toxic substances that breaks down slowly in soil. With all organic ingredients, DEET-free essential oil mosquito repellents will not harm and poison birds, and fishes.

Read 3 Best Eco Friendly Insect Repellent Products Here >>

Choose Organic, Choose Nature’s Botanical

Keep the bugs at bay and embrace a safer way to keep you and your family safe with Nature’s Botanical.

Grab one of our natural insect repellent products today. Choose from our cremes, lotions, and sprays on our website. Do you want to learn more about us or our products? Call us at +61 2 4872-2200 or send an email at julian@naturesbotanical.com.

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